I. Why Proposals Do Get Funded Or Do Not Get Funded Why proposals do get funded –Tangible Reasons: Good Idea Well thought out program/well structured proposal Program matches goals of funder

Why proposals do get funded (continued) –Intangible Reasons: Funder’s unstated priorities (“administrative priorities”) Personal likes and dislikes of staff at funding source Current competition

Why proposals do not get funded – most common reasons Problem does not seem significant to reviewer Problem not properly documented Client group not involved in planning Proposal poorly written or unclear Project objectives do not match funder’s objectives Budget too large for funder Program not coordinated with other programs in the field

Why proposals do not get funded – most common reasons (continued) Capabilities of organization unknown to the funder Project objectives too ambitious Guidelines of funder not followed Little evidence project can sustain itself after grant ends Inadequate evaluation procedures The reviewer has a “headache” while reading your proposal…

Qualities of a successful grant seeker Communications skills Sales skills Ingenuity and flexibility Research skills Administrative skills Good human relations Persistence

II. Contacts With Funding Sources Contact Importance The initial contact- the first approach to a funder relative to your proposed project. When does the initial contact occur?

Form of the initial contact – 4 options: Personal visit Telephone call Brief letter describing your organization and the project A full proposal with details of the project

Common Mistakes in Approaching Funders Asking general questions that indicate you’ve not done your homework Calling the funder, describing the project over the phone, asking if it sounds like something they would fund Sending a letter or proposal with no call or personal contact Failure to follow up phone contact or visit with a letter

Common Mistakes In Approaching Funders (continued) Falling into the category trap Making a “cold” office call without prior arrangement Going outside proper channels Failure to take advantage of technical assistance

III. Technical Assistance Technical Assistance – Help provided to the grant seeker by the funder Kinds of help funders give: Guidelines Other printed materials Administrative priorities shared Review process shared

Kinds of help funders give (continued): Help with money matters Advice about credibility New contacts Preliminary review of your proposal Copies of successful proposals Site visit

IV. Credibility Kinds of Credibility Internal (organizational) Expertise connected with the project External

V. Program Design And Proposal Structure Program Design WHY WHAT HOW COST

Program Design Provides Proposal Structure WHY-NEED WHAT-OBJECTIVES HOW-METHODS COST-BUDGET

Complete Proposal Structure Summary I.Introduction II.NeedWHY III.ObjectivesWHAT IV.Methods V.EvaluationHOW VI.Program’s Future VII.BudgetCOST

Proposal Functions To sell your project To communicate an important idea or concept To communicate a plan To enter into a contract To provide the basis for evaluating the project

VI. Proposal Parts Summary – Provide a general overview of the project Introduction – Build a link between your project and the funder. Establish your credibility. Need – Focus on the specific need or problem of a client group. Document that need or problem.

Need (continued) Documenting the need Needs Assessment Statistics Interviews with experts, Quotes from experts Interviews with clients Letters from community leaders Commissions, investigations, hearings Books and studies Projections

Objectives – State what your program will accomplish (Ideally in terms that can be measured) [Model for stating objectives: To…(action or accomplishment verb + single measurable result) Ex. To decrease the student drop-out rate at ABC Nursing College by 25%]

Methods – Describe the activities that will bring about the objectives. [Ex. Methods for the objective above (to decrease the student drop-out rate at ABC Nursing College by 25%) might be establishing a free tutorial system, personal counseling, and support groups]

Evaluation – Outline the process to be used in judging the project’s success in bringing the desired change. Program’s Future – State how program will continue after funding ends. State how information about the program will be disseminated.

Budget – Translate your methods into dollar costs. Categories: Personnel Costs, Non-personnel costs, Indirect Costs, Requested Funds and Donated Costs (“In-kind Contributions”)

Some typical personnel costs: Salaries (by job title, not individual) Fringe benefits Consultant and contract services (no fringes) Volunteer Services (usually donated) Travel –Local –Out-of-town

Some typical non-personnel costs: Space costs Equipment rental, lease, or purchase Telephone Supplies Printing/graphics/duplication Postage

Indirect Costs: Appendix (optional)

Title Page Title of Project Name of your agency (i.e. agency submitting the proposal) Name of funding source receiving the proposal Beginning and ending date of project Total funds requested Name, address, and phone of project director Name, address, and phone of director of your agency

Title Page (continued) When choosing a title: –Be sure the title is appropriate to the funding source. –Choose a descriptive title. –Keep the title as short as possible. –Be imaginative; try to make the title memorable.

Final Tips Only 1 person should write the proposal. Keep proposal brief. Be clear and concise. Type proposal so parts stand out. Double space. Take care with proposal’s physical appearance. Follow up. If rejected, find out why if possible.